Za'atar Manakish
A beloved Middle Eastern breakfast staple, these soft, pillowy flatbreads are topped with a fragrant, herbaceous blend of za'atar and high-quality olive oil.
Ingredients
- •2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- •1 teaspoon instant yeast
- •1 teaspoon sugar
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1 cup warm water
- •2 tablespoons olive oil (for the dough)
- •1/2 cup high-quality za'atar spice blend
- •1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (for the topping)
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- 2
Add the warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rest for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- 4
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up.
- 5
Divide the dough into 4 equal balls and roll each one out into a thin circle about 8 inches in diameter.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk together the za'atar and the 1/2 cup of olive oil to create a spreadable paste.
- 7
Carefully transfer the dough circles onto the hot baking sheet and spread the za'atar mixture evenly over the surface of each.
- 8
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bottom is crisp.
💡 Chef tips
- For a more authentic flavor, use a Palestinian or Lebanese za'atar blend that contains sumac for a bright, tangy finish.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore the crispness.
- You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight for a deeper, more complex flavor.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished Manakish should have a golden, slightly charred crust with a soft, airy center, boasting the earthy, nutty, and tangy aroma of toasted za'atar.